Over fifty thousand residents in the Tomsk region are now holding GTO badges.
The GTO awards, a part of the long-standing Russian physical culture initiative, have seen a significant surge in popularity in Tomsk Oblast. Originally named "Gotov k Trudu i Oborone," or "Ready for Labor and Defense," this program encourages citizens to focus on physical fitness, endurance, and sports.
Tomsk Oblast, home to the cities of Tomsk, Seversk, and Streshnev, has embraced the GTO program as a means of promoting healthy lifestyles and physical activity among various age groups, particularly students and young people. The regional authorities actively support the program through schools, sports clubs, and public events, making it easily accessible for many local residents.
In 2020, a total of 14,503 individuals completed the GTO standards in Tomsk Oblast, a testament to the program's growing popularity. This number has risen steadily since 2015, with a total of 49,545 regional residents receiving GTO awards by 2024. The increase in participants from 2020 to 2024 is particularly noteworthy.
To participate in the GTO program, one must register at gto.ru, obtain a medical certificate, and choose from 267 testing sites across the region. Applicants may also receive additional points for admission.
The infrastructure in Tomsk, Seversk, and Streshnev is well-developed to support preparation and testing for the GTO program. In fact, the regional authorities annually build 30 new sports facilities to make the program even more accessible.
While specific information about potential tax deductions linked to participating in the GTO program or receiving its awards is not readily available, the primary benefits for participants typically include recognition and motivation through earning physical fitness badges, access to certain sports facilities or programs, and improved health and physical condition through guided sports standards.
As of 2025, individuals who pass the GTO norms may become eligible for a tax deduction, but this information is not yet applicable to the data from 2020 to 2024.
In conclusion, the GTO awards offer social and health benefits to participants in Tomsk Oblast, with no confirmed direct tax deduction benefits based on available information. However, the program's popularity continues to grow, and the construction of new sports facilities annually ensures that it remains accessible to all interested parties.
Sports enthusiasts in Tomsk Oblast have been increasingly participating in the GTO program, a Russian physical culture initiative focusing on physical fitness, endurance, and sports. In 2020, 14,503 individuals completed the GTO standards, a number that has been steadily rising since 2015.
